Google buys secret smartwatch technology by Fossil

Google has long been silent about smartwatches, but they have apparently not completely dropped them. Now they buy secret smartwatch technology from Fossil.

Back in 2014, Google launched Android Wear, a smart watch operating system, after which a number of manufacturers came up with their smart watch bid. But it never quite became the success Google had hoped for.

In March, last year, Android Wear changed its name to Wear OS , many hoping for a smart watch from Google itself. In August, Wear OS got a big update just before Google got ready for a big presentation, but unfortunately there wasn’t a Pixel smart watch with the Pixel phones.

Since then, Google has been incredibly quiet about smartwatches, while Apple had great success with their Watch. But Google has apparently not completely abandoned smartwatches, for now they spend $ 40 million on secret technology from Fossil.

New hope for WearOS

What Google has spent the 40 million dollars on is, so far, secret. The agreement with Fossil is that Google gets the mentioned technology, as well as the employees in Fossil’s department, who developed this particular. Fossil is one of Google’s most loyal partners who develop WearOS hardware.

It is likely that Fossil has been working on a new health-related technology, which they have long lacked in their smarting. Fossil is best known for their hybrid watches and possibly the new technology can bring heart rate monitors, GPS and other health related to hybrid watches. In 2015, Fossil acquired the company Misfit, for a total of $ 260 million, with the purpose of integrating Misfit’s technology into their own smart watches. This may be related to the technology that Google is now gaining in with their acquisitions.

“The addition of Fossil Group’s technology and team to Google demonstrates our commitment to the wearable industry by enabling a diverse portfolio of smartwatches and supporting the ever-evolving needs of the vitality-seeking, on-the-go consumer.”

says Stacey Burr, product manager for Google’s WearOS platform. It confirms that Google still sees a future in wearables. Whether it is in the form of a smartwatch, a hybrid clock or anything else is unaware.

However, we cannot help but dream of a Pixel hybrid clock. What about you?